Page 56 of Blue Gold

After shaking too many hands and being one small talk away from drowning myself in the champagne fountain Mother had imported all the way from Italy, I snuck away from the party and went upstairs for some quiet before the fireworks show. I hated parties and events, mostly because I felt fake on top of fake. It was one thing to hide who I was daily, but to go overboard and pretend I was living a perfect life was too much. But it seemed I was the only one in my family to feel this way. Now standing on the balcony on the second floor of the house, I looked down at the celebration taking place in the yard. The first I spotted in the crowd was my sister, Catherine, thanks to her booming laugh. It looked like she’d made herself a few more male friends who’d entertained her tonight. Not far from her was my brother, Andrew, whose face was red from all the wine he drank, and his balance? Well, given the fact that he used a marble statue for support, I figured it wouldn’t be long before Mother, who was busy bragging to her friends about her new diamond ring, would call it a night for him.

My eyes then tracked down Claudia, who looked lovely in the white dress she wore tonight, one that reminded me of our wedding. She was so lovely that day that I falsely believed I might just be able to fall for her. Now, more than eight years later, I realized what a fool I’d been. Because no matter how charming she was, it wouldn’t change the simple fact that I was gay. Shame clenched my stomach, and my throat dried as I reflected back on all those times I’d lied to her, to everyone, in an attempt to hide this part of me. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath that didn’t help chase away this horrible feeling.

There are many things that feel wrong, even though they aren’t… especially love. But it doesn’t mean they are wrong, just complicated.

Elliot’s words returned to me, and I opened my eyes, my body not as tense as it had been only a few moments ago. When I came upstairs, he had yet to arrive, which was odd. Now wishing to see if he was here, I looked back at the party, eagerly searching for him in the crowd. There were so many people, and yet I knew I’d spot him easily. His face was simply too magnificent to miss, even in a crowded room.

I stepped closer to the rail, eyes narrowed as I jumped from one guest to the other, when⁠—

“All this just for my birthday?”

A smile spread on my lips upon hearing French, and I quickly turned around to see Elliot standing only a few steps away.

“Did I go overboard?” I teased, one brow raised.

Pressing his lips together, he shrugged. “Not at all. If anything, I’d expected more.”

I stepped closer to him while examining his clothes. Unlike the rest of us, he wasn’t in a tux. Instead, he wore trousers that seemed too big for his size yet suited him, and a simple shirt. He was definitely going to stand out.

“You should have told me you didn’t have a suit. I would have bought you one,” I said when he reached a hand out to touch my tux.

“You’ve already bought me too many things.” He traced his fingers along the lapels of my jacket. “Besides, my clothes look good, no?”

“They do.”

“You look good, too, Daniel.” He bit on his bottom lip. “So handsome.” He spoke that last word in English, and his accent made it so damn sexy that I couldn’t help but smile like a fool.

“You look dashing yourself, Elliot,” I switched to English, too, before going back to French. “You didn’t wear the necklace?”

Elliot’s hand moved to his neck, and my eyes locked on his delicate fingers until he spoke.

“Tonight isn’t special enough.”

“What do you mean? It’s your birthday,” I laughed.

“Birthdays aren’t special. You have them every year.” He moved to stand at the end of the balcony.

“Well, they’re still special.”

With both hands on the stone railing, Elliot took a deep breath and leaned forward.

“I never thought they were special… After all, every person has them. Right?”

Dropping my eyes to the floor, I scratched my nape. “Well, you do have a point, but still. It’s a reason to celebrate⁠—”

“I prefer celebrating other things.”

I looked up to see he’d turned to face me, and the look in his eyes made my heart pound harder.

“Like what?”

“Art, music, food, love.” The way he spoke made each word sound like poetry carried through the night. “Sex?” he added with a smirk, then pushed away from the railing and slowly strolled toward me, stopping with his hand on my shoulder. “Don’t you think good sex is more worthy of celebrating than a birthday?”

I glanced behind us to ensure we were alone before giving him my answer.

“I guess it is.”

“It is.” His lips curved into a smile. “It’s the celebration of the bodies. And when you orgasm?” He bit his lip, eyes closed. “That’s the best gift in the world.” Opening his eyes, he smirked at me. “Isn’t it?”